Click here for the FULL rehearsal dinner!

Because the wedding took place on an island and it was a destination wedding for everyone, it was important to the couple and their parents that all of the weekend’s events reflected a warm, intimate and hospitable atmosphere. The rehearsal dinner did that and more, and it really set the tone for the following day. The groom’s parents hosted a fabulous traditional lobster clambake, complete with fire pit and lobster bibs that said “Alice & Ben” above a red lobster. During cocktail hour, the guests wandered about the property, which includes lovely stone walls, grazing horses and an idyllic pond. For dinner, the guests were seated under a beautiful tent at nine long tables lined with gorgeous sunflowers and set with mason jar mugs, black-and-white checkered tablecloths and red napkins. A close friend of the groom’s brilliantly emceed a program of roughly 15 toasts and speeches. The night concluded with a fantastic slideshow created by a sister of the groom, and everyone departed having eaten well and laughed hard in a truly lovely setting.

Photography: Christian Oth Studio / Venue: The Captain R. Flanders House / Coordination: Julie Hatt / Catering: Lobster Tales / Flowers: Island Ambiance / Tent, Linens + Table Settings: Tilton Tents / Liquor: Edgartown Market / Invitations: Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger / Lobster Bibs: Sand Scripts / MC: A Friend of the Groom / Slideshow: A Sister of the Groom

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Black, Bryn Chernoff, Captain Flanders Inn, Christian Oth Studios, Edgartown Market, Island Ambiance, Julie Hatt, Lobster Tales, Paperfinger, Red, Rehearsal Dinner, Sand Scripts, Tilton Tents, White
Post categories: Casual Elegance, event, Massachusetts Weddings, Real Parties

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… It was magical. Every single moment. We’ve lived in New York for 10 years, so it was only fitting to celebrate our wedding day in our amazing city. Modern, chic and totally glam. The ceremony took place at the Tribeca Rooftop. We rented steel grey chairs, had an all white piece of fabric suspended from the ceiling as our chuppa, and plexiglass columns surrounded us, all topped with vibrant fucshia centerpieces. It was a modern and romantic as I could’ve ever imagined. For the cocktail hour up on the roof, I wanted an outdoor but still modern feel. Grasses held each guests table card, and decor consisted of simple yet exotic plants and flowers. The reception was a vision — deep eggplant linens, steel grey chairs, vibrant fushcia centerpieces in vintage mercury glass, with candlelight everywhere. It was simply the best. And the dress — of course it had some bling, we are in NYC!! Delicate strips of organza mixed with tiny sequins and sea pearls. Glamorous and truly a show stopper. And of course the blue stilettos from Pierre Hardy. The groom and all groomsman wore John Varvatos leather converse along with their tuxes — an amazing look I must say!! The night was a total dance party, from start to finish — complete with the bride and groom crowd surfing! The band was completely off the hook. Eddie’s Pizza Truck was there late night with 2 slices for each guest as they left the reception.

Wedding Planner: Annie Lee of Daughter of Design / Flowers + Event Design: Barb Salzman, Hatch Creative Studio / Photographer: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studios / Venue: Tribeca Rooftop / Dress:  Monique Lhuillier via Mark Ingram / Shoes: Pierre Hardy / Makeup: Nam Vo / Hair: Jeff Chastain / Jewelry + Rings: Kwiat / Groom’s Tux: John Varvatos / Groom’s Shoes: John Varvatos for Converse / Pizza: Eddie’s Pizza Truck / Stationery, Invitations, Programs + Menu Cards: Cheree Berry / Cinematography: Tweed Weddings

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 47 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Annie Lee, Barb Salzman, Cheree Berry, Christian Oth Studios, Daughter of Design, Eddie's Pizza Truck, Hatch Creative Studio, Jeff Chastain, John Varvatos, John Varvatos for Converse, Kwiat, Mark Ingram, Monique Lhuillier, Nam Vo, New York, New York City, Pierre Hardy, Shawn Connell, Tribeca Rooftop
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Kenji and I really enjoyed the wedding planning process.  We worked together on everything and we both greatly appreciated everyone who helped us – our wonderful and loving family and friends and our very talented and extremely knowledgeable vendors.  We wanted to incorporate aspects of our different heritages into the wedding: Norwegian, Japanese, Irish, and Italian.  As well as personal touches, such as the motif we designed – two letter K’s, one reversed, together forming a butterfly.  Our florist, Crocus Hale, was just wonderful, and worked closely with us to transform our ideas into an elegant and timeless wedding design that represented us as a couple while enhancing the architecture and decor of the Wheatleigh.  Kenji and I spent numerous hours at Paper Trail, a chic little shop in the village of Rhinebeck, NY.  Serine and her staff helped us choose our invitations, the various paper goods and ribbons we used, and welcome gift bags.  With all of the detail in our wedding we decided to have two photographers.  We were very happy with this decision as it relaxed the photography schedule for the “getting ready” pictures and pre-ceremony portraits, provided different perspectives during the ceremony and other key moments, and provided enough coverage for lots of fun, candid shots of the guests, and special attention to all of the details.  Shawn Connell and Rob Northway from Christian Oth Studios were an absolute delight to work with, and we are in love with all of the precious memories they expertly captured.

The weather was just perfect to hold our ceremony outside on the terrace.  My dad walked me down the aisle while the string quartet played Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  Kenji was looking so handsome and the moment took my breath away.  Our guests looked just exquisite in black tie dress, the mountain view backdrop added to the drama, and the ceremony flowers of hydrangea and orchids complemented the scene perfectly.  Kenji and I wrote our own ceremony, so personal and meaningful to us, and had our very dear friend, Keith, officiate.  We included a handfasting ceremony to honor my Irish heritage, as well as a traditional Japanese saké ceremony, using a saké set given to Kenji by his family in Japan.  My godmother read “An Irish Blessing”, and another spiritual reading was done by Kenji’s godfather.  Our close friend, Alex Neyman, captured the priceless moments with his artist’s pencil.  We said our vows, exchanged rings, and with the power of the State of Massachusetts bestowed upon Keith for that day… We Were Married!

The Wheatleigh dining room was decorated beautifully.  Tables were draped with white floor-length linens and topped with taupe, silk dupioni overlays.  The floral centerpieces consisted of hydrangea, garden roses, dahlias, orchids, and hanging amaranthus in muted autumn colors.  Votive candles, some in mercury glass, illuminated the tables as the sun set behind the mountains.  We designed the menus with our butterfly motif to also serve as place cards by folding a calligraphed band around the menu.  We had fun with the menu for Kenji’s two year old nephew by replacing the text with cute pictures.  The string ensemble played beautifully, and emotional and entertaining speeches were given as we enjoyed a delicious five course meal with special wine pairings.  It was an amazing culinary experience created by Chef Jeffery Thompson and the Wheatleigh staff.

After dinner, everyone returned to the candle-lit Great Hall where we cut our wedding cake.  A scrumptious three-tiered cake decorated with Swiss dots and handmade sugar orchids – two tiers of almond chiffon cake layered with marscapone cream and raspberry preserves, and one tier of chocolate chiffon layered with chocolate mousse and raspberry preserves.  We shared our first bite of cake and it was now time for our first dance, a waltz to the song Kenji created for his wedding proposal.  Kenji’s voice teacher, Machan Taylor, had altered the timing to a waltz meter, and also sang the vocals. Kenji played the violin part, and Kathie, my matron of honor, played the flute part that gave the music an ethereal quality.  It was all professionally arranged and mixed by Pete Levin. It was so beautiful and something we will treasure forever.  In the months prior to the wedding, our dance teacher, Linda Rowland, taught us the waltz and worked with us to choreograph our first dance.  With our dance shoes on, the music started and I was so nervous.  Kenji was calm and confident as we floated across the dance floor underneath our origami cranes.  I tear up just thinking about it!

From the Groom…Kelly is beyond a dream come true, and our wedding was a metaphor for this.  Every detail, finely sculpted, was a result of Kelly’s wonderful touch, and her ability to work well with everyone, including me.  I cannot even say that the process was difficult – long, yes, effortful, yes.  But joyous, always.  Even folding 1000 paper cranes over the course of months was a task that we took up together, with each other in our hearts and the results in our hands.  Our wedding celebration was the culmination of months of planning and perseverance, and the fact that it reflected such joy in its loving details is a testament to the bond we were making, and continue to make strong.  For our guests, I hope we were able to transport them to another time, another place, one where things were beautiful and wonderful, one that provided a state of true enjoyment, if not blissfulness.  But I hope they then had the further realization that in fact this was not some alternate life, but actual reality, brought about by Kelly’s fantastic creativity and organizational abilities, crystallizing in the here and now.  I remember when I first saw Kelly on our day, preparing to walk down the aisle to join me.  She was radiant, and I myself had the realization that this was in fact happening!  Right there and then!  And to me!  This was the wonderful reality we had brought about, composed like a song, reviewed many times on how it might be, but the full emotional impact only being known on opening night.  The music, the flowers, the candles, the food, the cake, thousands of tiny and meticulously chosen elements, all worked harmoniously together to create our event in a beautiful venue.  And when the party was over, what remained were wonderful memories, for us and for our guests.  The farewell brunch had many smiles – it was as if we were all checking back in to make sure that it was not all a fleeting dream.  For me, it was all a dream come true, that remains to this day – every day I look at Kelly and remember the day I married her, and have the same realization that this beautiful life we share is continually made real by us, and made stronger and more joyful with each day that passes.  I am honored to add my strength to her grace, my tenacity to her creativity, my love to her light.  She is my butterfly, her flight is one of beauty and will.  And my life now, just as this paragraph, begins and ends with Kelly.

Venue: Wheatleigh / Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell + Rob Northway of Christian Oth Studio / Floral Design: Crocus Hale / String Ensemble: Art Strings / Band: The Stingers Band / Voice Teacher + Music Composer: Machan Taylor / Musical Arrangement: Pete Levin / Dance Teacher: Linda Rowland / Artist: Alex Neyman / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier / Bridesmaid Dress: Badgley Mischka / Undergarments: Bra Tenders / Groom’s Tuxedo: Armani / Pearl Earrings: Mikimoto / Engagement Ring: Custom / Wedding Band: Tiffany & Co. / Bride’s Shoes: Grace with Soul Mates / Bride + Groom’s Dance Shoes: World Tone Dance / Parasol: Lace Parasols / Hair: Glenda Connors / Make-up: Sarah of SEVEN salon.spa / Invitations: Elum via Paper Trail / Paper Goods: Paper Trail / Calligraphy: Rita / Custom Wine Corks: Jelinek Cork Group / Wedding Favors: L.A. Burdick Chocolate / Wedding Dress Preservation: J Scheer & Co.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex Neyman, Armani, Art Strings, Badgley Mischka, Bra Tenders, Christian Oth Studios, Crocus Hale, Elum, Glenda Connors, Grace, J Scheer & Co., Jelinek Cork Group, L.A. Burdick Chocolate, Lace-Parasols, Lenox, Linda Rowland, Machan Taylor, Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Massachusetts Weddings, Mikimoto, Monique Lhuillier, Paper Trail, Pete Levin, Rita, SEVEN salon.spa, Soul Mates, The Stingers Band, Tiffany & Co., Wheatleigh, World Tone Dance
Post categories: Massachusetts Weddings, Traditional Elegance

So there you have it. The New York Public Library’s new and soon to be completely iconic identity image. With styling by Jackie Weppner of Merci New York, a gown from Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, hair and makeup team at Paul Labrecque, accessories from Jannie Baltzer and Preston and Olivia, florals by Matthew Robbins, fine jewelry pieces from Diamond in the Rough and Jupiter Jewelry. And images to drop jaws around the world by Christian Oth.

Here are a few more of the shots from the shoot…

Ahhh. This is the kind of photography that will inspire, that will excite, that will give brides, designers and artists around the world permission to dream again. To inspire their own wedding love with pure magic Christian Oth & Matthew Robbins have officially set the new bar for all things beautiful. Here is a bit more behind the scenes to keep the loveliness alive…

Thank you so very much to Christian, Matthew, Jackie, Gabriella and all of the vendors/artists/designers who collaborated on this beautiful shoot. We are honored that you chose SMP as your platform to share it with the world!

COVER IMAGE

Douglas Hannant gown from the Spring 2012 collection, bib necklace by Rivini, French veil by Sara Gabriel, amethyst and diamond cocktail ring by Jupiter Jewelry, as well as Diamond in the Rough’s “Covet” engagement ring and micro pave wedding band. Shoes from Aruna Seth.

Additional Looks

1. Claire Pettibone “Nightingale” dress, worn with a white Preston and Olivia silk organza fascinator, “Fleurs” diamond drop earrings from Jupiter Jewelry, and “Pendant” necklace, “Covet” ring, and micro pave wedding band from Diamond in the Rough. Shoes from Aruna Seth.

2. Claire Pettibone “Flora” dress, worn with Jannie Baltzer’s “Lucille” headband. All jewelry from Diamond in the Rough jewelry, including the “CB Line” earrings, “Covet” ring, and micro pave wedding band. Shoes from Hollywould.

3. Reem Acra “Best Wishes” gown, worn with a cathedral veil and horsehair sash with feather detail from Sara Gabriel, as well as a vintage bracelet and white fur shawl from Gabriella New York. The shawl was accented with a vintage diamond brooch from Jupiter Jewlery on the lapel. Additional accessories include Jupiter Jewelry’s Tanzanite princess ring set in white gold, as well as the “Orielle” stud earrings, “Covet” ring, and micro pave wedding band from Diamond in the Rough. Shoes from Aruna Seth.

4. Claire Pettibone “Iridessa” dress with silk flower fascinator headpiece (pulled from the waistband of another gown from the designer). “Pendant” necklace, “Covet” ring, and micro pave wedding band all from Diamond in the Rough. Shoes from Hollywould.

Please note: All wedding gowns featured are available at Gabriella New York.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 61 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Christian Oth Studios, Diamond in the Rough, Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, Jannie Baltzer, Jupiter Jewelry, Matthew Robbins, Merci New York, New York, New York Public Library, Paul Labrecque, Preston & Olivia
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style

click here to see the full wedding gallery!

The bride wanted a New York themed wedding, as many guests were traveling. The couple arrived at the Bowery in a classic yellow cab. The gift bags were NYC themed with Dean & Deluca snacks, Dylan’s Candy Bar treats, a donation to the Central Park Conservatory, and a DVD of Sex & the City, as the bride works for HBO. Gift bags were created by Melangerie. The meal was served family style with a selection of wines based on the couple’s personal favorites. Each wine had it’s own story relating to the couple and their travels. We had Mr Boddington create cards at each table to explain the significance of each wine.

We obviously wanted to incorporate the beauty and uniqueness of the space. We hired a sexy, vintage music trio, Bon Musique, for the cocktail hour. Because the meal was catered by the hotels’ restaurant Gemma, the bride wanted to infuse Tuscan-rustic elements into the evening. One of the ways we did so was sourcing an antique gelato cart from a prop house in Manhattan. The couple opted not to have a wedding cake, but rather passed mini-desserts and cookies in the shape of wedding cakes from Eleni’s.

The decor was complimentary of the rich, romantic space and Fall season. The color palette was a mixture of rich, deep burgundy and purples, with accents of green. Belle Fleur created the amazing florals. We chose rich wine-colored Dupioni silk linens. To complete the menu and table, we placed rosemary sprigs at each setting. We used colored water goblets to compliment the color palette. To incorporate the season, we used green suckling pears as place card holders.

Photography: Jake McBride of Christian Oth Studios / Venue and Caterer: The Bowery Hotel / Planner: Carrie Sartor with Lyndsey Hamilton Events / Florist: Belle Fleur / Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Hair and Makeup: Nikki & Heidi at Damali / Band and DJ: cocktail hour – Bon Musique, reception – Soulsystem / Invitations: Mr. Boddington’s Studio

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 34 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Belle Fleur, Bon Musique, Christian Oth Studios, Damali, Jake McBride, Lyndsey Hamilton Events, Mr. Boddington's Studio, New York City, NY, Soulsystem, The Bowery Hotel
Post categories: All Real Weddings, New York City Weddings, New York Weddings, Real Weddings, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Fashion fabulous, right? The bridesmaids are rocking Pucci skirts paired with simple white tops and the bride…she’s all about the Monique Lhuillier. Here are a few more details…

Amory and Sean were married in the exclusive One and Only club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The couple added a lot of personality to the wedding by having traditional native dancers lead a procession from the ceremony to Cocktail hour. They also had a skull and cross-bone theme throughout their wedding, gave out white fedora’s during cocktail hour, and had champagne glasses on coasters with the guests name as their place cards. The couple then had a beautiful reception in a tent lined with fabric and chandeliers. Everything about this wedding was fun and chic all at the same time. All paper goods were done by Cheree Berry.

Click here to see the full wedding!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 21 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A. Dominick Events, Bahamas, Cheree Berry, Christian Oth Studios, Jake McBride, Monique Lhuillier, Paradise Island, Pucci
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Destination, Destination Weddings, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

The reception took the whole event to another level completely. We loved the crisp, white walls and floors of Studio 450 and maximized the 360 degree views of the city and water. The sunset and night sky were gorgeous against our reds and oranges inside. We did the whole event cocktail-party style with lounge chairs highboy tables and a lit bar. We lined the center of white ottomans with sari fabric and embroidered pillows, we hung clusters of lanterns around the room and set up a long table for anyone who wanted to sit for a bit and get a bite to eat.

We hired Sarina Jain, the Jane Fonda of India and founder of Masala Bhangra to choreograph our routine. After the cocktail hour I made a costume change into a lime green Lehnga, traditional Indian dress. Ravi and I were introduced and walked into the intro beats of AC/DC’s “Back in Black”. We walked around and greeted people and then took our positions opposite one another on the dance floor. Sharad cued Al Green’s, “Let’s Stay Together” and we started a very sexy dance… just when everyone was cheering for that the music exploded into the “Beware of the Boys” remix with Panjabi MC and Jay Z and we started an all out Bhangra routine that then transitioned into the well known “Mauja Hi Mauja” and we finished up with HipHop Bollywood moves.

So all in all, there it is, our own American Bollywood movie in the making. The process was intense, the planning insane but the day of was so worth every minute of it. Our friends and family made it an event that was amazingly filled with love and emotion and really reflected who we are as individuals, a couple and designers. We achieved what we set out to do which was to create an event that reflected us, screamed to the world that we are in love and hugged each and every guest for being the support we need to be where we are today. We are blessed and so thankful for such a wonderful day to remember forever. I didn’t want it to end. Now, I just want to make this a reality for other people in search of a special day!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Christian Oth Studios, Indian, MonkeyThat, Multi-Cultural, New York City, New York Weddings, NYC, Studio 450
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, Traditional Elegance

Oh and the photographs by Michael Falco for Christian Oth completely bring it to life!

Our interfaith reverend, Rev. Susanna Stefanachi Macomb, was amazing! There was not one dry eye left and she managed to capture us perfectly and inject some humor too! It was simply breathtaking. She honored our love, she honored our parents, she spoke so poignantly. Her words and our words coupled with the vibrant Mandap, which is a 4 pillared Hindu altar, were stunning.

We used the fabrics from India coupled with ones from Ikea to create the rich palette. I strung fake lei’s together to create long strips of hanging flowers that flowed in the wind. We set up an altar table that contained all our offerings, a copy of the Bible and Bhagava Gita and several personal items that were meaningful to us.Our aisle runner was a bright orange raw silk straight from India and we used Sari’s as decor everywhere. The most precious part of the the ceremony decor for me was the ribbon wall that framed the freight elevator.

After all of our attendants danced in, that’s right they shimmied on down the aisle to “In your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel, they created a soul train line that a crazy, dancing groom then grooved down. There were cat calls and bum taps and everything you’d want when you dance your solo!

Shortly after, I emerged from the freight elevator to the “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World” version by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Beside the fact that it’s a beautiful song, I’m from Kansas so the Somewhere Over the Rainbow has a lot of meaning for me. In my gorgeous, eggshell Matthew Christopher mermaid gown with modern, urban detailing, and decked out with full Henna on my hands and arms, over-the-top orange Indian jewelry, bangles and a tikka hanging from my hair onto my forehead, I also danced my way down the aisle in my bright orange Gucci shoes!

I met my mom part of the way down and together we two-stepped to my groom. It was both uplifting and touching and was exactly who Ravi and I wanted to be at that moment.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 27 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Christian Oth, Christian Oth Studios, Indian, MonkeyThat, Multi-Cultural, New York City, New York Weddings, NYC, Studio 450
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Traditional Elegance